BUSINESS NEWS

Story and photos by Micah Oelze

The Shafer Art Gallery will host the Cuna Mutual Retirement Solutions Art and Science Encounter Series: Beauty and the Beetle Family Day starting at 10 a.m. June 23 in the gallery. Family Day is a free event full of activities, including a puppet show performed by the StoneLion Puppet Theatre, a visit from the Kansas State University Insect Ambassador Zoo and various bug related crafts.

“In an era when the demands on educational programming are increasingly pragmatic, it is important to provide folks with an opportunity to see how important the arts are to truly understanding systems, particularly living systems,” Shafer Art Gallery Director Dave Barnes said. “The artwork of Gar Waterman begs us to wonder at the intricacy of the unseen and fall in love with its beauty. Family Day celebrates Gar’s beetles with laughter, exploration and creative activity.”

Guests will discover common backyard bugs, what it takes to create a backyard sanctuary and why it is important in the puppet show “Backyard Buggin.” Join wildlife photographer Felicia Flash and her sidekick Karma the elephant, who are back from another adventure, ready to relax in their backyard. A nap under the shade of a tree takes Felicia into an amazing ecosystem under her lawn chair as she shrinks to bug size.

Following the puppet performance, at 11 a.m. the Sunset Zoo will present The Insect Ambassadors from the Kansas State University Entomology Department. The ambassadors will do a presentation and set up an insect zoo for the attendees in the gallery, providing an opportunity for those who want to get a closer look or desire to learn more about the insect world.

The Beauty and the Beetle exhibit will also be available for families to explore. These larger than life sculptures of beetles made out of scrap metal and micro-photography of beetles on large prints allow viewers to see the intricacies of these creatures. The exhibit runs through July 6.

For those inspired by the insect world around them, a craft workshop for all ages will be available in the gallery throughout the day. The craft workshop will consist of participants creating drawings, paintings and sculptures of bugs.

An interactive micro-photography wall projection program will also be available for attendees to explore bug anatomy. The Barton biology lab loaned the gallery microscopes so guests can examine real bug parts.

This program is supported in part by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency and by the generous underwriting of CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions.

BUSINESS NEWS

Radiation oncologist Dr. Claudia Perez-Tamayo has earned a lifetime achievement award from the Wichita Business Journal for her long-standing commitment to treating oncology patients in Kansas, as well as creating a business whose network of physicians has brought cancer care close to home in communities across the state of Kansas. One of those close-to-home locations is in Great Bend, where Central Care Cancer Center serves as the area’s only comprehensive cancer treatment center.

Dr. Perez-Tamayo was named a 2018 “Health Care Hero” by the Wichita Business Journal. She is one of only two recipients this year to win the award in the lifetime achievement category. According to criteria provided by Wichita Business Journal, the lifetime achievement category “honors a specific individual for his or her lifetime contributions to the improvement and advancement of health care.” 

Along with other 2018 Health Care Hero award recipients from 11 categories, Dr. Perez-Tamayo will be recognized at a dinner event July 19 at the Hyatt Regency, Wichita.

Dr. Perez-Tamayo came to Kansas nearly 30 years ago to practice and serve as cancer center medical director in Salina, while also serving patients in Halstead and Hastings, Neb., during much of that time. She came to Kansas from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where she participated in leading research on radiation oncology’s effect on various forms of cancer. Today, Dr. Perez-Tamayo treats patients at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center in Salina, as well as at Central Care Cancer Center clinics across Kansas, including Newton and Emporia. She also provides consultations to radiation oncology patients in Central Care’s Wichita clinic.

Dr. Perez-Tamayo is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Internal Medicine sub-specialty of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has expertise in both brain and body stereotactic procedures, as well as brachytherapy, both low dose rate and high dose rate.

She was awarded prestigious fellowships to both the American College of Radiology and the American College of Radiation Oncology for her contributions and service through education, research and service activities in the practice of radiation oncology. Her academic appointments include the University of Michigan and the University of Kansas Medical Center.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Agenda Meeting
Monday, June 18, 2018
9:00 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order.
B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Consider Approval of the Agenda.
D. Consider Minutes of the June 11, 2018, Regular Meeting.
E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes.
F. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.

II. OLD BUSINESS – Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.

III. NEW BUSINESS – All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

A. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Expansion of Anti-Ransomware Software Use:
-To better protect the County from computer hackers, ransomware attacks, malware threats and virus attacks, the County uses commercial software. After installing the selected package on several computers, it has been suggested that it be offered to those departments at remote locations and on other servers. John Debes, Information Technology Director, will provide details.

B. WDM ARCHITECTS: Structural Analysis – Additional Expenses:
-In December, 2017, the Commission authorized WDM Architects to perform a structural analysis of the Barton County Courthouse, cost estimated at $24,300.00. As the final billing has been submitted, the project includes another $532.75 in copy, plot and travel expenditures. Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, will request that the Commission approve payment of the expenditure through Finance General.

C. SOLID WASTE: Local Recycling Grant:
-In the 2018 Operating Budget, the Commission allocated $15,000.00 under Solid Waste for recycling with an understanding that applications would be accepted locally for the monies. Eligible are any County department, agency, organization, recycling center, city, school district or community college located in Barton County. The application would need to demonstrate a positive
economic and environmental impact in the County, be consistent with the Barton County Solid Waste Management Plan, benefit the County and its residents and increase recycling. Sunflower Diversified Services submitted the only application. Mr. Hathcock will provide details.

D. SOLID WASTE: Replacement of the Household Hazardous Waste Building:
-The Landfill currently has a building on-site that was constructed to house household hazardous waste (HHW) and other recycling operations. The existing building was constructed as a temporary structure and has become too small to support current recycling demands. With the Commission’s approval, Landfill management solicited competitive bids to construct a 40’ X 60’ steel building to replace the existing structure. Mr. Hathcock will provide details.

IV. ENDING BUSINESS
– After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

A. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.

B. APPOINTMENTS:
9:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, and Donna Zimmerman, County Clerk
10:00 a.m. – Approval of final costs for FAS Bridge No. 60 repair project – Barry McManaman, County Engineer
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Health Department are scheduled for June 21, 2018.

V. OTHER BUSINESS:

A. Discussion Items.

B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial
consideration.

C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Mondays during regular
business hours.

D. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments
related to County business at their discretion.

E. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Monday, June 25, 2018.

VI. ADJOURN.

BUSINESS NEWS

Story by Micah Oelze

Barton Career Advisor Nicole Serpan, who works with inmates at Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) via the Building Academic Skills In Correctional Settings (BASICS) program, was named the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Outstanding Contract Employee of the Year. She received a certificate from Governor Colyer upon meeting with him Monday morning at the Capitol Building in Topeka.

Serpan was nominated for employee of the first quarter for the 2018 fiscal year by her peers at ECF. ECF then voted her employee of the year out of all of the employee of the quarter nominees. She wasn’t aware she had been chosen for KDOC Contract Employee prior to her visit to Topeka and was incredibly surprised when they called her name.”

“I just hit my second year working here in this position,” she said. “I didn’t even think it would happen. I was just shocked; I was shaking.”

On a near daily basis, Serpan meets with inmates who are interested in Barton’s BASICS program. Inmates fill out a form to meet with her before she begins a vetting process. She made 949 contacts in her year and so far has over 1000 contacts this year. The welding program alone had over 200 inmates interested in which they narrowed to 40 interviewees, and only 12 were selected.

“The [Basics] program is growing, and the word is spreading,” Serpan said. “It is exciting because it shows that [the inmates] have some hope. Even if they don’t get accepted the first time around, they are back the next time. They are not going to give up; this is what they want which just shows us the motivation and dedication to their future.”

In May of 2017, KDOC announced that Larned Mental Health Correctional Facility (LMHCF) had been outgrown by the needs of the current population of inmates, who are now being moved to the El Dorado Correctional Facility. LMHCF will be taking on a new mission focusing on reducing the reoffending rate for males aged 18-25. With this new population change, Serpan is eagerly preparing for an increase in her workload.

“They are in prison and may have hit rock bottom,” she said. “But when they enter into a Barton program, they start seeing what they can accomplish, and that hopelessness starts to turn to help and no plans to planning for the future. We light that fire, and they can accomplish anything they put their mind to, and we truly believe that.”

On Friday, June 15 at about 12:06 p.m. the Barton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported injury accident in the 500 block of Northeast 160 Avenue on the Barton/ Rice County line.

Upon arrival sheriff’s officers discovered a single vehicle rollover accident.

Investigation at the scene indicates that a 2012 Nissan Altima operated by Tyler Ordoyne, age 27 of Claflin, was southbound on 160 Avenue. Further investigation revealed Ordoyne lost control of the vehicle and entered the west ditch striking a farm driveway. The vehicle then became airborne landing in the west ditch and rolling approximately 1 ½ times.

Ordoyne was able to call for help from his cell phone although he was trapped in the vehicle. The driver was extricated from the vehicle by Claflin Fire Department and EMS service. He was transported to Great Bend Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Speed is being considered as a contributing circumstance to the accident.

BUSINESS NEWS

Anyone who wants to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease is encouraged to sign up for educational sessions hosted by Cherry Village Benevolence, 1401 Cherry Lane in Great Bend. There is no charge for any of the four sessions that will cover three major topics on Monday, June 25, at the long-term-care residence. Denise Vann, outreach specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association – Central and Western Kansas Chapter, will lead each discussion.

Erin Lewis, Cherry Village director of marketing, said she hopes professional caregivers, family members, friends and the public will take advantage of this opportunity.

“Education about Alzheimer’s disease is so important because there are unique warning signs that differentiate it from the normal forgetfulness of aging,” Lewis said.

“Early diagnosis often results in a better chance of benefitting from various treatment methods.

“In addition,” she continued, “the information Denise will share can help caregivers cope with the disease. It also will help them improve their loved one’s quality of life.”

Some Cherry Village staff members will attend the sessions to enhance their knowledge about the disease.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is gracious enough to offer these sessions and we want as many people as possible to take advantage of it,” Lewis said. “We wholeheartedly support the Association because of all it does for those suffering from Alzheimer’s, as well as their families and caregivers.

“For example, the Association offers online resources, a 24/7 helpline and outreach programs such as the June 25 event in Great Bend. They do all they can to support everyone affected by this disease.”

Those interested are strongly encouraged to register for one or all classes by calling the helpline, 1-800-272-3900, or emailing cwkshelpline@alz.org. Vann wants to bring enough supplies and literature to accommodate everyone.

The first session is set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. when the basics of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will be discussed.

“This program provides information on detection, causes, risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment and more,” Vann noted.

The next class is scheduled for 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. when effective communication strategies will be on the agenda.

“Communication is more than just talking and listening. It is also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language,” Vann explained. “As people with Alzheimer’s progress, the ability to use words is lost. Families need new ways to connect.

“We can show you how to decode verbal and behavioral messages, as we identify strategies to help you connect with the person at each stage of the disease.”

The third program will focus on understanding and responding to dementia-related behavior from 2 to 3 p.m.

“Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost,” Vann said.

“Some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage.”

The last session is a repeat of effective communication strategies at a different location. It is set for 6 to 7 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5700 Broadway, Great Bend.

“I would like to thank Cherry Village and the church for hosting these educational programs,” Vann said. “We are hoping for a good turnout.”

RELEASED: Dale Byerly to LSH.

RELEASED: Charles E. Grayson to KDOC.

RELEASED: Edward E. Johnson to KDOC.

RELEASED: Roberto Gallego of Garden City to Finney County Sheriff’s Office.

RELEASED: Gwen Finnigan of Great Bend to Rush County Sheriff’s Office.

RELEASED: Chelsea Purcell on Barton County District Court warrants with a $10,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: James L. Burton on Barton County District Court warrant with a serve sentence.

RELEASED: Richard Fletcher on Great Bend Municipal Court warrants by order of the court.

RELEASED: Michael Graves of Great Bend on Great Bend Municipal Court serve sentence after serving time in full.

RELEASED: William Kilgore of Great Bend posted a $1,000 surety bond through Dyn-O-Mite Bail Bonding. BCDC case for domestic battery.

RELEASED: Herbert Reed of Tulsa, OK on BTDC case for criminal threat, released by the order of the court with $5,000 bond.

RELEASED: Tristan Shaver of Larned received a $5,000 OR bond on BTDC case for failure to appear.

RELEASED: Melody Simpson of Great Bend on BTDC warrant for burglary and theft after receiving a $5,000 OR bond.

The USD 428 Board of Education extended a note of appreciation to Karen Shaner, Jane Isern, and several local donors and volunteers for organizing the Perfect Attendance Bike Giveaway program again this year. Over the past six years, the group has contributed 110 bicycles that were given away to students in grade school with perfect attendance.

USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton says the program is a nice incentive to the students to show up to school every day.

Khris Thexton Audio

Each year, the volunteers gather funds for the bike giveaway. The Golden Belt Bicycle Company has assisted in purchasing and assembling the bikes.

This year there were 20 Trek Mountain Bikes purchased. Every elementary school had at least one student win a bike and Eisenhower had the most with six students.

Elementary school students with perfect attendance during the 2017-2018 school year…

Riley
Angel Herrera, 1st Grade
Milagros Orozco, 1st Grade
Natalie Rodriguez, 3rd Grade
Olivia Scott, 3rd Grade

Lincoln
Javon Parker, 4th Grade
Jocelyn Ward, 4th Grade
Brandon Morgan, 5th Grade
Jaxson Jones, 6th Grade
Kaylyn Wahlmeir, 6th Grade

Jefferson 
Matt Schroeder, 5th Grade

Eisenhower
Tyler Scheuerman, 2nd Grade
Parker Coleman, 3rd Grade
Kendra Scheidman, 3rd Grade
Brogan Unruh, 4th Grade
Payne Cain, 5th Grade
Caleb Hayes, 5th Grade

Park
Ismael Ramirez, 4th Grade
Kevin Richardson, 2nd Grade
Davin Randolph, 5th Grade
Zac Davis, 5th Grade